Impact of pairing correlations on the orientation of the nuclear

TL;DR

This paper introduces a self-consistent covariant density functional theory with pairing correlations to study the orientation and rotational behavior of triaxial nuclei, successfully reproducing experimental data and revealing the impact of pairing on nuclear structure.

Contribution

First formulation and implementation of a fully self-consistent tilted axis cranking covariant density functional theory with pairing correlations for rotating nuclei.

Findings

Reproduces energy spectrum and transition probabilities of Nd-135 without ad hoc factors.

Demonstrates a transition from collective to chiral rotation.

Shows pairing correlations affect angular momentum and nuclear structure.

Abstract

For the first time, the tilted axis cranking covariant density functional theory with pairing correlations has been formulated and implemented in a fully self-consistent and microscopic way to investigate the evolution of the spin axis and the pairing effects in rotating triaxial nuclei. The measured energy spectrum and transition probabilities for the Nd-135 yrast band are reproduced well without any ad hoc renormalization factors when pairing effects are taken into account. A transition from collective to chiral rotation has been demonstrated. It is found that pairing correlations introduce additional admixtures in the single-particle orbitals, and, thus, influence the structure of tilted axis rotating nuclei by reducing the magnitude of the proton and neutron angular momenta while merging their direction.